This old-fashioned Chocolate Lush recipe—also known as Delicious Dessert, Four Layer Delight, or Chocolate Pudding Dessert—is a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat. With a buttery shortbread-style crust, a light and creamy cream cheese layer, and a silky chocolate pudding topping, it’s perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or any occasion that calls for an easy make-ahead dessert.
This recipe is simple to prepare and transports well, which is why it’s a potluck favorite. It comes together quickly: press and bake the crust, whip the cream cheese layer until smooth, prepare instant pudding for the top, then chill until set. The result is a balanced dessert with a tender, slightly crisp base, a silky middle layer, and a rich pudding finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Lush Dessert
- All-purpose flour
- Butter
- Cream cheese
- Cool Whip (or whipped topping)
- Powdered sugar (icing sugar)
- Instant chocolate pudding mix (or banana cream for a variation)
- Milk
Chocolate Lush Dessert
Chocolate Lush is an easy layered dessert with a shortbread-like crust, creamy sweetened cream cheese filling, and a top layer of instant chocolate pudding. It’s forgiving and adaptable—try different pudding flavors or add a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for garnish.
Ingredients
- Base:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened or melted
- Middle Layer:
- 1 (8 oz or 250 g) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Cool Whip or other whipped topping
- 1 cup powdered (icing) sugar
- Top Layer:
- 1 large package or 2 small packages instant pudding mix (chocolate works well; banana cream is a tasty alternative)
- 2 1/2 cups milk (use as directed on the pudding package)
Instructions
- Make the Base: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Mix the flour and butter together until the mixture resembles coarse oatmeal or sand. Press the mixture evenly into the bottom of a 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly browned. Remove from oven and let the crust cool completely before adding layers.
- Prepare the Middle Layer: In a bowl or electric mixer, beat the softened cream cheese with the powdered sugar until smooth. Fold in the Cool Whip until fully combined and the mixture is light and fluffy. For easier spreading, chill briefly if the mixture becomes too soft.
- Make the Pudding: Whisk the instant pudding mix with 2 1/2 cups cold milk according to the package directions until thickened. Let it set for a few minutes so it firms up slightly.
- Assemble: When the crust is completely cooled, drop spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the surface and gently spread to an even layer—using small dollops helps keep the crust intact. Spread the pudding on top of the cream cheese layer in the same way, using spoonfuls to avoid lifting the crust. Smooth the top if desired.
- Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the assembled dessert for at least 2 hours (overnight is ideal) so the layers can set. Slice into squares and serve chilled, with an optional dollop of Cool Whip or a sprinkle of chocolate shavings.
Recipe adapted for clarity. Author: Rita Joy
How to Make Chocolate Lush Dessert
Start by preparing and baking the base: a simple blend of flour and butter pressed into a pan. The crust should be lightly golden but not overbaked. While the crust cools, whip the cream cheese layer until smooth, then prepare the instant pudding according to package directions. Assemble once the crust is cool to the touch to prevent the layers from sliding or breaking the base.
To make spreading easier and protect the crust, place small spoonfuls of the cream cheese mixture across the base and gently spread to cover. Repeat this dolloping method when adding the pudding layer to avoid lifting the crust. Refrigerate before cutting to achieve clean slices.
Tips for Best Results
- Cool the crust completely before layering to keep the dessert stable.
- Chill briefly between layers if spreading causes the base to crumble.
- Use small spoonfuls when adding each layer to avoid lifting the crust.
- This dessert tastes best when made several hours or the night before serving—flavors meld and layers set nicely.
- For variations, try vanilla or banana pudding, or add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or chocolate chips between layers.
Other Dessert Recipes You Might Enjoy
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Lush Dessert (variation idea)
- Make-Ahead Mocha Refrigerator Dessert
- Easy Strawberry Pavlova
- Classic Banana Cream Pie with cooked pudding
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